Manchester United on transfer alert after Everton director of football makes sales admission

Manchester United have been put on alert after Kevin Thelwell admitted Everton will have to sell players this summer.

Everton’s director of football Thelwell confessed that the Blues will have to allow some of their stars to leave in a letter to fans given their precarious financial position. The club, deducted eight points this season for two breaches of Premier League profit and sustainability rules, recorded losses of £89.3m in their 2022-23 accounts.

As previously reported, United have long been linked with Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana. ManchesterWorld understands there is concrete interest in Branthwaite, while Onana could be an option in defensive midfield.

Thelwell told the club website, he said: “I also understand that, as with every transfer window, there is a great deal of anticipation around what business may be done. Whilst I cannot go into details, I have been working closely with Sean and our key staff here at Finch Farm, utilising data and insight from our recruitment team, planning for the summer window. As is always the case, there must be multiple plans and strategies in play, and a dynamic approach to planning is key.

“It is also important that I am completely candid with you. The reality is, given the regulations in place and the club’s current financial position, we have to trade well. Working within such tight financial parameters makes the job extremely difficult. Whilst we want to ensure the team is as competitive as possible, we cannot lose sight of our central objective to protect the long-term stability of the club.

“That does mean players will be sold, and also that every tool at our disposal will be used to secure new additions to the squad, including utilisation of the loan market. Both Sean and I understand the responsibility we have – and that is a responsibility which has to be our priority. That may not be exciting to hear but, under our current circumstances, it is the right thing for Everton.”